The Smoking Musket - 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl: West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Syracuse OrangeChanging The Culture Of West Virginia Sportshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52574/tsm_fav.png2013-01-08T11:00:05-05:00http://www.smokingmusket.com/rss/stream/35692672013-01-08T11:00:05-05:002013-01-08T11:00:05-05:00The Smoking Musket Podcast: The Resurrection
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<p>SmithFire13, WVUIE97, and ABPriddy kick the dust off the ol' tires and release the first Smoking Musket podcast of 2013.</p> <p>Podcast Topic <span style="line-height: 9px;">Footnotes:</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><b>Part I</b> </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Pinstripe Bowl - 2:25</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Big XII - 9:24</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">WVU vs. Louisville Conference Realignment - 11:30</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Holgo Approval Rating - 13:45</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Geno, Stedman, Tavon NFL draft 19:20</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><b>Part II</b></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">OU breakdown - 22:06</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">WVU past recruiting breakdown - 30:50</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Texas preview - 34:15</span></p>
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https://www.smokingmusket.com/2013/1/8/3850318/smoking-musket-podcast-the-resurrectionSmithFire132013-01-01T10:52:33-05:002013-01-01T10:52:33-05:00West Virginia vs. Syracuse: Grading The Pinstripe
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<figcaption>Jeff Zelevansky</figcaption>
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<p>After watching the West Virginia Mountaineers end the season against the Syracuse Orange on as sour a note as imaginable, we check in for the final game report card of the season.</p> <p>Well that went about as badly as it could have possibly gone. What's the only thing worse than stumbling to a 4-5 conference record (5 losses all coming consecutively of course) in your inaugural Big 12 season you ask? How about wrapping the season up getting embarrassed by an old foe from a former conference that you keep saying you were too good for.</p>
<p>That's exactly what happened to the Mountaineers on a snowy late December afternoon in the Big Apple. It was a frustrating experience for players and fans alike as the inclimate weather, poor game plan and a cavalcade of self-inflicted wounds were way more than WVU could hope to overcome. Let's sharpen our pencils and get out that report card.</p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>Defense: C-</h4>
<p>I know, I know. You're shocked that I could drop anything other than an F on a unit that gave up over 360 yards on the ground and was seemingly dominated from top to bottom. Sorry, but I grade on a curve here. This was the final game of the season - doesn't get more "you are what you are" than that. This isn't a great defense. In fact it's about as far from a great defense as possible.</p>
<p>What we had this year was a Mountaineer team that was unapologetically offense first. You've got an offensive guru as coach hired by a former quarterback athletic director; their priorities are clear. So I'm not going to declare the D failures when they spend over half the game playing well enough to win until they finally collapsed under the weight of an offense that couldn't get out of its own way.</p>
<p>Yes, it was frustrating to see the lone bright spot of the season - run defense - give up over double their game average on the season, but they did some good things early. After giving up a field goal on the first Orange(men) drive, they forced punts on the next two before making a goal line stand on 4th and 1. The finally gave up a TD but then created a turnover near the 50 and held for another punt before the end of the half.</p>
<p>They gave up a quick score to start the 2nd half but created another turnover that their balleyhooed offense immediately gave right back. Finally halfway through the 3rd quarter they broke and the Cuse proceeded to gash them on the ground. Sorry, but if you expected more from this defense than holding things together for nearly 40 minutes, you haven't been watching this team play football.</p>
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<h4>Offense: D</h4>
<p>Stedman Bailey single-handedly staved off an F here. His 7 catch, 126 yard 2 TD performance was the only thing that remotely resembled what had been one of the all-time great WVU offenses. The single bright spot of my day was getting one final patented Stedman Stiff Arm. Aside from him though, it was a disorganized (explicative) show from the snap - really before the snap, when senior center Joe Madsen decided to forgo the final game of his college career by first forgoing class.</p>
<p>Any time something remotely resembling rhythm began to take shape, a momentum-killing penalty was guaranteed. The run lanes necessary for a reliable ground game never materialized and the conditions were seemingly too harsh for any type of consistent air attack. For the first time in memory <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84134/tavon-austin">Tavon Austin</a> was a non-factor. I can't believe I just typed that.</p>
<p>I was most disappointed in Geno Smith. Starting with reports that he was the instigator of the pregame midfield melee, he never looked completely locked in. Sure there were some nice throws - notably the bomb to Bailey, but for the most part he seemed disorganized and rattled by the conditions (if you're scoring at home you can add sleet to the west Texas winds as things that Geno can't overcome).</p>
<p>For better or worse this is how I'll always remember 2012 Geno Smith: blindingly spectacular when he was on, but running his mouth just a bit too much (like this <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.dailymail.com/wvu/2012/12/28/on-friends-and-foes/#more-12465">unnecessary shot</a> from earlier in the week) and unwilling to fight back against real adversity. Need a high-performance machine to keep pace in an offensive shootout? Geno is your guy. Need a tough set of wheels to plow through a little slushy adversity? Keep on looking.</p>
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<h4>Special Teams: C</h4>
<p>Hey, at least it wasn't Stillwater! That's about the only good thing I can say for the special teams here. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/65897/tyler-bitancurt">Tyler Bitancurt</a>, who I spent the last 2 years defending, planted one firmly into the back of one of his own players for what felt like his 89th career block (my snarky Twitter self was even <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/abpriddy/status/285120945507667968">less charitable</a>). Three different punters combined to average 31.4 yards on 5 kicks (but Jonathan Fisher of Syracuse only averaged 24.7 on 3 kicks so that can probably be blamed on conditions).</p>
<p>Mostly the special teams simply did nothing to aid in the effort to win. There were a pair of penalties on kick returns at times when WVU was trailing and absolutely did not need to be pinned inside their own 10. Tavon Austin, who had been a reliable returner when it was needed most all year, was neutralized by poor blocking and the field conditions. The special teams were simply unprepared on Saturday, but in their defense that didn't necessarily make their unit unique.</p>
<p>But hey - they didn't make any crippling or game-changing mistakes, right? Progress!!</p>
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<h4>Coaching: F</h4>
<p>A failure at every conceivable level. Unprepared to play before the game and out-schemed during the game. It's one thing to appear mystified at what the other team is doing defensively - it's another to appear mystified when you were shut down by the SAME EXACT THING 14 MONTHS AGO. Additionally Tavon Austin was seemingly ignored in gameplanning. Inexcusable.</p>
<p>My biggest frustration though? You know that inability to fight through adversity I just addressed with Geno - well that starts at the top. Holgorsen made a point to mention the snow in both his halftime interviews (MSN and ESPN). Not only that, but he came unglued several times on the sidelines and even went so far as to burn a timeout to argue a call. I get that it was maddening. That was an incompetent officiating crew and I know for a fact the sideline was having real trouble communicating with them or even understanding what calls were being made - that shouldn't happen.</p>
<p>Having said that when you're the head guy you need to be able to deal with those things. Coachspeak exists for a reason. When Chip Kelly or <span class="sbn-auto-link">Mack Brown</span> dismisses the weather and says it isn't affecting his team even though you know 100% it's bullshit - that sends a message. There's a reason those guys come unglued once or twice a season and not once or twice a week. They project an air of confidence and dismiss any influencing factor outside of their immediate control as "unimportant." That resonates with fans and players. That matters. Let me say that I have 100% confidence in Holgorsen and his abilities, but I also think he's still a very green head coach who is learning hard lessons. Hanging up 70 a year ago didn't change any of that - it just made us forget it.</p>
<p>Just remember that Michigan State fans were probably grumbling about their 4th year coach hovering a couple games over .500 in 1998. <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Saban">Look that one up.<br></a></p>
<p>Thanks for following along with our report cards this year and he's hoping we get to hand out a few more A's in 2013.</p>
<p>Happy New Year!</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2013/1/1/3823258/wvu-mountaineers-syracuse-orange-pinstsripe-bowlAbpriddy2012-12-31T11:30:06-05:002012-12-31T11:30:06-05:00TSM Coaching Approval Meter: Post-Syracuse
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<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Weigh in on your opinion of Coach Holgorsen and his coaching staff. Participation poll included.</p> <p>After a season of streaks, it was almost fitting that another one was extended with WVU's third straight loss to Syracuse. Not expecting this one to be pretty.</p>
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<li>One bright spot of defense was stopping run in 2012, couldn't do that in Bowl<br>
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<li>Passing game struggled in weather<br>
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<li>Almost a dozen penalties<br>
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<li>We blocked our own kick</li>
<li>Stedman was the lone bright spot, hauling in 7 for 126 and 2 TDs</li>
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<p><b>Last Poll:</b><br>84% approval with<a href="http://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/9/4/3291886/WVU-coaching-approval-meter-post-marshall" target="_blank"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/3/3722442/tsm-coaching-approval-meter-post-kansas">237 votes cast</a></p>
<p><b>2012 Total Statistics:</b><br>76% approval<br>3153 positive votes<br>1023 negative votes<br>4176 votes cast</p>
<p><i>Here's how this poll works:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Do you approve of the job that the coaching staff is doing? Yes or No. No hedging, no gray areas, nothing in between. It's up to you to use your own criteria. Are you judging the staff by the weekly team performance? Are you looking at the program as a whole? Do you take into consideration recruiting? Are you looking at national attention (good or bad)? As always, please explain your vote in the comments section.</p>
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https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/31/3821324/tsm-coaching-approval-meter-post-syracuse-final-ballot-of-2012WVUIE972012-12-30T10:12:20-05:002012-12-30T10:12:20-05:00Sunday Hangover: Pinstripe Bowl (12/30/12) Edition
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<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Coverage of the bowl loss from all over.</p> <h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Recaps and Features</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=323640183" target="_blank">Prince-Tyson Gulley (3 TDs) helps Cuse by WVU in Pinstripe Bowl - ESPN</a><br>Recap, stats, photos, video, etc</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/page.cfm?story=22704&cat=exclusives" target="_blank">Syracuse Claims Pinstripe Bowl - WVU Athletics</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/live-west-virginia-trails-5-0-at-pinstripe/" target="_blank">Syracuse stripes West Virginia 38-14 - WV MetroNews</a><br>Recap and photos</p>
<p><a href="http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/201212290055" target="_blank">Orange crush WVU, 38-14 - Charleston Daily Mail</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thedaonline.com/gulley-syracuse-defeats-wvu-38-14-in-pinstripe-bowl-1.2969303#.UOBWTnfNl8E" target="_blank">Gulley, Syracuse defeats WVU 38-14 in Pinstripe Bowl - Daily Athenaeum</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/12/29/3815604/west-virginia-syracuse-2012-pinstripe-bowl-results" target="_blank">2012 Pinstripe Bowl final score: Syracuse buries West Virginia in the snow - SBNation.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1453993" target="_blank">WVU drops Pinstripe Bowl to Syracuse, 38-14 - WVSports.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20465796/game-recap-wvu-vs-syracuse-in-the-new-era-pinstripe-bowl" target="_blank">Game Recap: WVU vs. Syracuse in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl - WVillustrated</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/201212290062" target="_blank">Bronx bummer - Charleston Gazette</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/wvu/wvu-bulldozed-38-14-by-old-rival-syracuse-in-pinstripe-bowl-668291/" target="_blank">WVU bulldozed, 38-14, by old rival Syracuse in Pinstripe Bowl - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a></p>
<p><a href="http://triblive.com/sports/college/wvu/3201499-74/syracuse-game-mountaineers#axzz2GUzdiwVV" target="_blank">Syracuse handily defeats WVU in Pinstripe Bowl - Pittsburgh Tribune Review</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/wvu/orange-plows-over-mountaineers-in-pinstripe-bowl-668315/" target="_blank">Orange plows over Mountaineers in Pinstripe Bowl - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/62050/instant-analysis-syracuse-38-wvu-14" target="_blank">Instant analysis: Syracuse 38, WVU 14 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN</a></p>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/1253032.html" target="_blank">Bombing In The Bronx - BGN</a></p>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/1252999.html" target="_blank">Syracuse Heats Up the Snow Bowl - BGN</a></p>
<p><a href="http://timeswv.com/wvu_sports/x1303504273/Bowled-over" target="_blank">Bowled over - Times West Virginian</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.register-herald.com/collegesports/x2056570068/Syracuse-plows-through-snow-WVU" target="_blank">Syracuse plows through snow, WVU - Register-Herald</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.register-herald.com/collegesports/x2056570062/Mountaineers-melt-in-frigid-weather" target="_blank">Mountaineers melt in frigid weather - Register-Herald</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/569069/WVU-s-hopefully-forgotten-moment.html?nav=5064" target="_blank">WVU’s hopefully forgotten moment - Parkersburg News and Sentinel</a></p>
<p><a href="http://triblive.com/sports/college/wvu/3202471-74/game-syracuse-bailey#axzz2GUzdiwVV" target="_blank">West Virginia football notebook: No answer for Orange rushers - Pittsburgh Tribune Review</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/201212290076" target="_blank">Pinestripe Bowl notebook: Orange run amok to tune of 369 yards - Charleston Gazette</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/wvu/pinstripe-bowl-notebook-mountaineers-make-no-excuses-for-poor-performance-668385/" target="_blank">Pinstripe Bowl Notebook: Mountaineers make no excuses for poor performance - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a></p>
<p><a href="http://timeswv.com/wvu_sports/x1633438831/Braun-WVU-not-making-excuses" target="_blank">Braun, WVU not making excuses - Times West Virginian</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/wvus-uninspired-conclusion-to-the-pinstripe-bowl/" target="_blank">The uninspired conclusion - WV MetroNews</a></p>
<p><a href="http://timeswv.com/wvu_sports/x964860376/HERTZEL-COLUMN-WVU-s-year-ends-with-a-whimper" target="_blank">HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU’s year ends with a whimper - Times West Virginian</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/best-worst-of-pinstripe-bowl/" target="_blank">Best & worst of Pinstripe Bowl - WV MetroNews</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/pinstripe-recap-five-plays-that-mattered/" target="_blank">Pinstripe recap: 5 plays that mattered - WV MetroNews</a></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Photos</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20465517/photo-gallery-2012-pinstripe-bowl-at-yankee-stadium" target="_blank">UPDATED PHOTO GALLERY: 2012 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium - WVillustrated</a></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Video</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20465556/video-coach-holgorsen-postgame-press-conference" target="_blank">VIDEO: Coach Holgorsen Postgame Press Conference - WVillustrated</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/watch-highlights-of-wvus-bowl-loss/" target="_blank">Watch: Highlights of WVU’s bowl loss - WV MetroNews</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/watch-geno-smith-ends-his-wvu-caree/" target="_blank">Watch: Geno Smith closes his career - WV MetroNews</a></p>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/1253107.html" target="_blank">Video: More Pinstripe Postgame - BGN</a><br>Bruce, Geno, Will Clarke & Tavon</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20465549/video-wvu-offensive-postgame-interviews" target="_blank">VIDEO: WVU Offensive Postgame Interviews - WVillustrated</a><br>Stedman, Braun, Austin, Geno & Coach Dawson</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20465553/video-wvu-defensive-postgame-interviews" target="_blank">VIDEO: WVU Defensive Postgame Interviews - WVillustrated</a><br>Coach Patterson, Garvin & Bruce</p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/watch-highlights-of-wvus-loss/" target="_blank">Watch: Allan Taylor’s video recap of the Pinstripe Bowl - WV MetroNews</a></p>
<p><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/west-virginia-mountaineers-geno-smith-struggle-to-explain-downfall-after-undefeated-start-to-season-122912" target="_blank">From 5-0 start to 7-6 finish, West Virginia struggles to explain downfall - FOX Sports on MSN</a></p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/30/3817360/weest-virginia-mountaineers-syracuse-orange-football-pinstripe-bowl-recap-finalWVUIE972012-12-29T18:58:16-05:002012-12-29T18:58:16-05:00Cuse Runs Over WVU In Pinstripe Bowl, 38-14
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<figcaption>Jeff Zelevansky</figcaption>
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<p>WVU offense never got on track, while Syracuse ran at will.</p> <p>In a game marred by increasingly horrid playing conditions, Syracuse was able to run the ball, seemingly at will, gashing the WVU defense for 376 yards (Gulley alone had 215 yards and Smith chipped in another 158). While the WVU offense had a couple of quick scoring strikes, they were victimized by penalties at the most inopportune times (once nullifying a 4th down touchdown with a holding call). The WVU offense also allowed two safeties, the first one just after a 4th down goal line stand.</p>
<p>When the Mountaineers were able to generate a turnover in the third quarter, the offense turned right around and gave it right back with a fumble of their own. The WVU offense was unsuccessful on all ten third down conversion attempts. Geno was never in rhythm and Syracuse managed to keep Tavon fairly under control with some excellent tackling. Not to knock Braun, but not having Madsen to snap the ball and make the line calls certainly hurt the execution of the Mountaineers.</p>
<p>The seemingly lone bright spot was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84145/stedman-bailey">Stedman Bailey</a>, who scored two touchdowns on eight receptions for 122 yards.</p>
<p>Give Syracuse credit, they played on the same shitty field and was able to run their offense when WVU couldn't.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/29/3815862/syracuse-runs-over-west-virginia-in-pinstripe-bowl-38-14WVUIE972012-12-29T14:26:36-05:002012-12-29T14:26:36-05:00Pinstripe Bowl Gamethread: WVU vs. Syracuse
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<p>Join us in commentary as the Mountaineers take on our old nemesis Syracuse in a snowy Bronx, New York, setting and we say goodbye to some amazing record breakers.</p> <p>So here we are, the culmination of a memorable 2012 season for the Mountaineer football squad. It was a season of streaks, including incredible highs and a few incredible lows. Records were broken, many good; some not so good. Today's setting is a snowy Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York City, for the 3rd edition of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.</p>
<p>Today also marks the last time that 21 Mountaineers suit up in the Old Gold and Blue. Try to take the time to enjoy this last performance by three of the greatest Mountaineer football players to ever don the WVU uniform. Thank you Geno, Tavon, Stedman, and a host of others, for the memories you've given us. What do you guys say? How about one more for the road?</p>
<p>Television coverage is being provided by ESPN and WatchESPN (formerly ESPN3) beginning at 3:15 pm ET. So, find a comfortable spot, grab your favorite beverage (or 13), and join in on the running commentary, random observations, silly images, snark, wit, bitches, complaints, moans, groans, cheers, celebration and jubilation in the comments section below for the final WVU football game in 2012.</p>
<p>And, as always...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/436516/LETSGO_medium_medium.jpg" alt="Letsgo_medium_medium"></p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/29/3815204/pinstripe-bowl-game-thread-west-virginia-mountaineers-vs-syracuseWVUIE972012-12-29T10:12:54-05:002012-12-29T10:12:54-05:00Shotgun/Throwdown: Pinstripe Bowl Gameday Edition
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jb4vr7JXtq--SmgEg8lCeCqC5zA=/0x0:424x283/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5717019/pinstripethrowdown.0.png" />
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<p>Pinstripe Bowl previews, features, videos, Texas Tech won to keep the Big 12 perfect (so far) in bowl season, today's Big 12 bowl guide & more</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1929347/pinstripethrowdown.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Pinstripethrowdown_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1929347/pinstripethrowdown_medium.png" height="239" width="236"></a> <br id="1356750712628"></p>
<p>Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/teams/west-virginia-mountaineers/" target="_blank">nationally recognized</a> best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by <a target="_blank" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zC-zwor2NAI/UMopGZwRPoI/AAAAAAABRp0/HoAVYPVLPTM/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800">Pinstripe Stout</a>.</p>
<h4>
<u>Previews</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1453526" target="_blank">Pinstripe Bowl Game Preview: WVU vs. Syracuse - WVSports.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/201212280169" target="_blank">Showdown in the Bronx - Charleston Gazette</a><br><i>Syracuse presents WVU with different look</i></p>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/1252625.html" target="_blank">Maximize The Moment - BGN</a><br><i>Take advantage of opportunities. It’s the Mountaineers' mantra as West Virginia readies for the Pinstripe Bowl against Syracuse.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20121228/pinstripe-bowl-preview/" target="_blank">Syracuse vs. West Virginia 2012 Pinstripe Bowl preview - SI.com</a><br><i>Syracuse vs. West Virginia 2012 Pinstripe Bowl preview: Geno Smith will lead Mountaineers past Orange in shootout at Yankee Stadium.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Its-Syracuse-and-West-Virginia-in-Pinstripe-Bowl-56870001" target="_blank">Pinstripe Bowl forecast calls for snow and scoring - FOX Sports on MSN</a><br><i>West Virginia and Syracuse play Saturday at Yankee Stadium in a matchup of former Big East rivals and NFL prospect quarterbacks.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/3188487-74/wvu-smith-syracuse#axzz2GS9DpB9r" target="_blank">WVU gets Big Apple-tunity in Pinstripe Bowl - Pitsburgh Tribune Review</a><br><i>This has been a season like no other for West Virginia‘s 7-5 football team. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/201212280189" target="_blank">Mitch Vingle's matchups - Charleston Gazette</a><br><i>Pinstripe Bowl analysis</i></p>
<p><a href="http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/1252143.html" target="_blank">Bits and Bytes: Pinstripe Bowl - BGN</a><br><i>West Virginia tries to snap a two-game skid to Syracuse in the third annual Pinstripe Bowl.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/blogs.cfm?blog=footballBlog&story=22703" target="_blank">Countdown to Kickoff - WVU Athletics</a><br><i>WVU, Syracuse to battle today.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20463810/video-watch-pinstripe-bowl-special" target="_blank">VIDEO: Watch WVi's Pinstripe Bowl Special - WVillustrated</a><br><i>We bring you a very special thirty minutes highlighting the Mountaineers trip to New York City for the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20441708/video-pinstripe-bowl-news-conference" target="_blank">VIDEO: Pinstripe Bowl News Conference - WVillustrated</a><br><i>Dana Holgorsen and Doug Marrone met with the media for the final time before the Pinstripe Bowl </i></p>
<p><a href="http://newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/569055/WVU--Syracuse-set-to-renew-rivalry-in-Pinstripe-Bowl.html?nav=5063" target="_blank">WVU, Syracuse set to renew rivalry in Pinstripe Bowl - Parkersburg News and Sentinel</a><br><i>Orange have won last two meetings</i></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/61930/new-era-pinstripe-bowl-keys" target="_blank">New Era Pinstripe Bowl keys - Big 12 Blog - ESPN</a><br><i>Let's take a look at three keys for victory for West Virginia in today's New Era Pinstripe Bowl. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/41010/new-era-pinstripe-bowl-keys" target="_blank">New Era Pinstripe Bowl keys - Big East Blog - ESPN</a><br><i>Here are three keys for Syracuse in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl: </i></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/61994/pregame-new-era-pinstripe-bowl" target="_blank">Pregame: New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Big 12 Blog - ESPN</a><br><i>West Virginia (7-5, 4-5 Big 12) versus Syracuse (7-5, 5-2 Big East):</i></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Other Features</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.wvillustrated.com/story/20441609/wvu-syracuse-coaches-not-concerned-about-weather-forecast" target="_blank">WVU, Syracuse Coaches Not Concerned About Weather Forecast - WVillustrated</a><br><i>The Pinstripe Bowl could see some steady snow throughout the game. Both Head Coaches shared their thoughts on whether or not the weather will be a factor. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/wvu/west-virginia-syracuse-coaches-downplay-bad-weather-668229/" target="_blank">West Virginia, Syracuse coaches downplay bad weather - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a><br><i>A winter storm is forecast for today, and two to four inches could fall by the time the Pinstripe Bowl kicks off at 3:15 p.m.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/201212280182" target="_blank">Weather or not, time to play ball - Charleston Gazette</a><br><i>Friday would have been a great day to play a football game at Yankee Stadium. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://timeswv.com/wvu_sports/x1633438264/WVU-looks-to-finish-strong-in-Pinstripe-Bowl" target="_blank">WVU looks to finish strong in Pinstripe Bowl - Times West Virginian</a><br><i>today’s 3:15 p.m. Pinstripe Bowl game against Syracuse has taken on mammoth proportions because it is one of those rare minor bowl games with a purpose.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/finding-incentive-at-the-pinstripe-bowl/" target="_blank">Finding incentive at the Pinstripe Bowl - WV MetroNews</a><br><i>The coaches addressed the motivating factors during Friday’s press conference at Yankee Stadium, where both teams made their walk-throughs.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/201212280203" target="_blank">WVU QB has third chance to beat blitzing Syracuse - Charleston Daily Mail</a><br><i> "They blitz non-stop," Smith said. "There's no rhyme or reason for it. They send five guys over one side at a time. It's really unsound football, but that's the way they play."</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/blogs.cfm?blog=ccBlog&story=22698" target="_blank">Patterson Hopes to Disrupt Syracuse - WVU Athletics</a><br><i>Creating long yardage situations on third down a key.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.dailymail.com/wvu/2012/12/28/on-friends-and-foes/" target="_blank">On friends and foes - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza</a><br><i>"No," Smith said. "He would like to be my friend. He can’t be my friend."</i></p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.dailymail.com/wvu/2012/12/28/jeff-braun-has-got-this-you-guys-ok/" target="_blank">Jeff Braun has got this, you guys. OK? - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza<br></a><i>True story: Jeff Braun has replaced Joey Madsen once before and Josh Jenkins was the left guard there to help him out with things</i></p>
<p><a href="http://timeswv.com/wvu_sports/x964859728/Many-WVU-bowl-wins-qualify-as-upsets" target="_blank">Many WVU bowl wins qualify as upsets - Times West Virginian</a><br><i>The victims were favored and, in some cases, ranked among the nation’s elite. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://timeswv.com/wvu_sports/x2056569580/HERTZEL-COLUMN-Orange-up-there-with-biggest-rivals" target="_blank">HERTZEL COLUMN: Orange up there with biggest rivals - Times West Virginian</a><br><i>other than Pitt there is no other school in the country that has a richer football history and tie-in with West Virginia than the Orange.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://bdtonline.com/collegesports/x1303503626/Mountaineers-Orange-share-long-history" target="_blank">Mountaineers, Orange share long history - Bluefield Daily Telegraph</a><br><i>The two former Big East rivals have played 59 times since first getting together at New York’s Archbold Stadium in 1945</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/blogs.cfm?blog=footballBlog&story=22699" target="_blank">Last Call - WVU Athletics</a><br><i>Geno Smith makes his final appearance as a Mountaineer on Saturday.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://wvmetronews.com/comparing-the-quarterbacks/" target="_blank">Comparing the quarterbacks - WV MetroNews</a><br><i>Check out the dazzling numbers in the graphic above and settle in Saturday for a pass-happy parade.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/wvu/syracuse-qb-nassib-remains-under-radar-668202/" target="_blank">Syracuse QB Nassib remains under radar - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a><br><i>Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib doesn't grab national headlines like West Virginia's Geno Smith has throughout his career.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<h4>
<u>Where To Watch</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=159&f=2508&t=11105684" target="_blank">Pinstripe Bowl Game Watches Across the Country! - BGN</a></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Jus Becuz</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/12/27/3806498/the-25-best-college-football-gifs-of-2012" target="_blank">The 25 best college football GIFs of 2012 - SBNation.com</a><br>At least 3 Mountaineers featured here</p>
<p><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20121227/nfl-2013-predictions/#ixzz2GNqnGdI3" target="_blank">My NFL predictions for 2013 - SI.com</a><br>Check out his prediction for Offensive Rookie of the Year</p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Around the League (and Beyond)</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/12/29/3813910/minnesota-texas-tech-2012-meineke-car-care-bowl-results/in/3575521" target="_blank">2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas final score: Texas Tech wins on game-ending field goal - SBNation.com</a><br>34-31</p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>What's On Tap</u>:</h4>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=323640183" target="_blank">West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Syracuse Orange - Preview - ESPN</a><br>New Era Pinstripe Bowl, 3:15 pm today from Yankee Stadium on ESPN. WVU is giving 3.5.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=323640204" target="_blank">Texas Longhorns vs. Oregon State Beavers - Preview - ESPN</a><br>Valero Alamo Bowl, 6:45 pm this evening from the Alamodome. Horns are getting 3.5.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=323640127" target="_blank">TCU Horned Frogs vs. Michigan State Spartans - Preview - ESPN</a><br>Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, 10:15 pm tonight from Sun Devil Stadium. Frogs are giving 2.5.</p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Video of Interest</u>:</h4>
<p align="center"><i>Tony Caridi and Dwight Wallace look ahead to Saturday's Pinstripe Bowl game against Syracuse</i><br><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CWPdUCPYsVU?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>
<u>Miss Throwdown</u>:</h4>
<p>Come on now. Those that have been around a while know me well enough to know that I wouldn't miss a chance to feature the future Mrs. WVUIE97 during bowl week. Today's Miss Throwdown is my muse from South Africa. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.popoholic.com/2011/08/17/candice-swanepoel-unleashes-a-major-bikini-shwingfest/">CLICK HERE for today's gallery</a> of Candice Swanepoel.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GaVCquHa5Jw?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1356742983900"></p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/29/3813258/west-virginia-wvu-mountaineer-football-news-information-links-pinstripe-bowl-syracuse-orangeWVUIE972012-12-28T15:00:06-05:002012-12-28T15:00:06-05:00Under The Headset With Doug Marrone & GIFs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a2Dfrl8LWFAXBv_h4r7Gm1_uFck=/0x0:507x338/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5694073/gyi0062260024.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Listen in as Doug Marrone expresses his apathy for cold weather bowls and Greg Robinson. While Dana Holgorsen has a Sports Center moment. All leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl. </p> <p><i>Scene: Pregame for the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium</i></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy_marone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone_medium.gif"></a> Looks like snow. Humph, imagine that. Does anyone know if the ACC has a bowl tie-in with any of these northern bowls? I need me some Jimmy Buffett and fancy drinks with little umbrellas and even smaller bikinis. Ya know?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Doc2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2_medium.jpg"></a> I don't believe so, coach. All southern bowls. It's supposed to be about the game, though. Are you sure your head is in the right place?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy_marone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone_medium.gif"></a> Don't worry, football is the only thing that can warm you on a crappy day like this. Unless you got that flask with you.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Doc2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2_medium.jpg"></a> After the game, coach. What I really want to know...</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gerg5_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5_medium.jpg" height="102" width="100"></a> Doobie doo. I got a lot of want to.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy_marone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone_medium.gif"></a> Oh god, it's Robinson. Tremendous.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gerg5_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5_medium.jpg" height="102" width="100"></a> Hey y'all, I'm back...back in the New York Groove.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Doc2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2_medium.jpg"></a> I'll never live this one down, will I?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gerg5_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5_medium.jpg" height="102" width="100"></a> Live what down?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Doc2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2_medium.jpg"></a> The day I mixed Xanax and tequila. You may remember it as the day you became the head football coach at Syracuse.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gerg5_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754644/gerg5_medium.jpg" height="102" width="100"></a> ...</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dana1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1_medium.jpg"></a> Don't beat yourself up, Doc. It's not like you replaced <span class="sbn-auto-link">Bobby Petrino</span> with John L. Smith. Don't get me wrong, that was bad. But it wasn't slap yourself in the face bad. Ya know?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754652/gerg2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gerg2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754652/gerg2_medium.jpg"></a> Hey!</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy_marone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone_medium.gif"></a> Shut up Greg, you had your chance. And Doc, you might wanna beat yourself up a little over that.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dana1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1_medium.jpg"></a> Hehe!</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy_marone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone_medium.gif"></a> That's right Holgorsen, rub it in. He'll sic Otto on you.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dana1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1_medium.jpg"></a> So?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Doc2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925977/doc2_medium.jpg"></a> So!?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dana1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1_medium.jpg"></a> Yeah, so?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy_marone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1925961/happy_marone_medium.gif"></a> You've done it now.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dana1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1_medium.jpg"></a> What? It's not like it's casino security backed up by state troopers. It's a freaking mascot. Not even a scary one at that.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1926201/docotto.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Docotto_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1926201/docotto_medium.jpg"></a> Oh, you wanna call down the thunder? It's on!</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1926225/danapunch.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Danapunch_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1926225/danapunch_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dana1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/754611/dana1_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Da da da. Da da da.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/28/3809962/pinstripe-bowl-doug-marrone-dana-holgerson-wvu-mountaineers-syracuse-orangeJohnRadcliff